Site certification confirms that a fuel storage installation meets the safety and environmental requirements set out in New Zealand's hazardous substances regulations. Whether you need it, and what kind, depends on the substance you're storing, how much of it, and how it's being used.
Working through this can get complicated fast, and getting it wrong can mean delays or costly rework later. The fastest path is usually to contact a test certifier directly, and we're happy to point you toward the right person for your situation.
Rowan Smithers or Barney McLean
If you'd rather work through it yourself first, here's a breakdown by substance, along with the general New Zealand standards that apply nationwide.
Diesel
Diesel isn't particularly flammable, but it's a real environmental hazard, with significant clean-up costs if it leaks into a drain, watercourse, or the soil.
Diesel doesn't require a Location Compliance Certificate or a certified handler. However, a Stationary Container System Compliance Certificate is required once bulk storage exceeds 5,000 litres. If the diesel is used with an oil-burning installation or an internal combustion engine, such as a generator, that threshold drops as low as 60 litres (domestic oil-burning installations are exempt). This guide can help you work out whether your system needs a compliance certificate.
Diesel can be stored inside a building, but the storage room needs a fire resistance rating, or the tank itself needs to be a fire-rated tank, with limits on quantity and package size.
If you're storing diesel on a farm larger than four hectares, different rules apply, check WorkSafe's guidance on above-ground fuel storage on farms for the specifics.
For full detail, see WorkSafe's guidance on diesel.
Petrol
Petrol is highly flammable and one of the most hazardous substances in common use, it ignites easily and needs to be handled with real care. If you're storing or handling petrol, we'd recommend contacting a test certifier as early as possible in your planning.
For full detail, see WorkSafe's guidance on petrol.
Used or Waste Oil
Improperly stored, used, or disposed of oil can harm people and the environment, including contaminating ground and surface water, which puts drinking water and aquatic life at risk. Following the Code of Practice helps minimise that impact and keeps you compliant with HSNO.
Relevant references: Code of Practice for used oil and Management and handling of used oil.
For full detail, see WorkSafe's guidance on used or waste oil.
Relevant New Zealand standards
- AS 1940:2017 — The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids
- AS 1692:2006 — Steel tanks for flammable and combustible liquids
- Safe Work Instrument 2017 — Reduced secondary containment for certain above-ground stationary tanks
Still not sure what applies to your project? Get in touch with our team — we can point you to the right certifier and save you the guesswork.
